Nine MIDP, MPP, Master of Population Health Sciences, and Public Policy Ph.D. students were recently welcomed by Sanford alumni working in Washington, DC during a recent trip to our nation's capital.
The group kicked off their trip with MPP alum Roberto Obando at the Pan American Development Foundation. Obando utilized his 20+ years of wisdom on international development to share what it takes to successfully affect change for the greater good of marginalized populations.
The group was also joined at the Duke in DC office by MIDP alums Ichiro Toda, Oscar Farfan, Elsa Chang, and Daniela Tort. Toda spoke about his experience at the Independent Evaluation Group of the World Bank, and how public-private partnerships are leveraged for international development. Farfan, Chang, and Tort each shared their impact investment and social development consulting work at the Inter-American Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
"I learned you need to strive to get funding and/or opportunities aligned with your project. Do not waste energy and time looking for funding that does not align with your objectives. You need to trust the process. Don't disregard jobs or academic offers in places and institutions just because at first they don't look like your dream job. They will always lead to other opportunities." -Estefania Rodriguez (MIDP'24) reflects on alumni advice received on the trip.
Photos from the DC trip.
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The group visited the Organization of American States.
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The group visited the Pan American Development Foundation (PDAF).
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Students admire the view from the top of the PADF building.
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The group stopped by the UNIDOS US headquarters.